Mildred Lillian Holst

Alexander - Mildred Lillian (Flood) Holst, 84, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family and friends on Friday, December 21st, 2012, at Machias Hospital. She was born in Alexander May 1st, 1928 to Bert and Eva (Seavey) Flood. As a lifelong Alexander resident, she attended Alexander grade school, and was a 1946 graduate of Calais Academy. Her many community contributions included being town clerk, ballot clerk, registrar of voters, US census taker, and member of: Alexander Crawford Historical Society, Alexander School Board, WHCA, Ponoma Grange, and Alexander Grange. She took much pride in being a Master of the Alexander Grange, to which she belonged for 70 years.

In 1947 she married William (Billy) Holst and soon moved into the home they built on Route 9, where they immediately began raising seven children. Over the years the house also became a second home to many grandchildren, nephews, nieces and others, where she was known as Mum, Mim, Grammy or Auntie. Her greatest joy was visiting her many relatives, friends and neighbors. She was happiest in a house full of people, especially where she had little ones to hug.
Exceptionally loving and compassionate, Mildred never hesitated to open her door to anyone in need. Enduring hardships and difficult times herself, she consistently placed the welfare of others above her own. Without hesitation she devoted much of her adult life caring for her father, her husband’s mother, and particularly her own husband in the many years of their extended illnesses. Despite her devotion to raising a large family and caring for others, her warm personality enabled her to gather many lifelong friendships, which she greatly treasured.
Later in life Mildred could always be found reading and playing cards at her dining table, where she enjoyed the endless flow of family and friends that visited.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband of 54 years, William Holst; her sisters Carolyn Clavette, Louise Frost, Emogene Dwelley, Leona Keen, and her brother Lawrence. She is survived by her sister Pauline and husband Fredrick Dewald of New York; her seven children Roger and Fran, Terry and Roxanne, Greg and Beverly, Marilyn and Ed Cislak, Dave, Dale, and Brett; her grandchildren Teresa and Pat Eliason, Jennifer Holst and fiancée Wally Brown, Billie Jean Holst, Nathan and Linsey Holst, Gerald, Bridget and Keri Holst; her great grandchildren Jack and Casey Eliason, Trent and Hunter Holst, James and Ashleigh Goodwin; special nieces Brenda McPhail, Audrey Rood and Tracy Berry; and other special family members Bill, Michelle, Jackson, Jacoby, Keith, Emily, Jacob, Trinity, Kyra, Paige, among others.

The family also extends a grateful thanks to all the many devoted care takers who provided for Mildred in her own time of need.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, December 29th at 1 pm at the Alexander Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life gathering at the Alexander Grange. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of the Grange, in care of Rhonda Oakes at 1332 Airline Rd, Alexander, ME 04694. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais & Eastport.